Boost Your Immune System With Yellow & Orange!

Vitamin C, which aids the immune system, can be found in most yellow and orange fruits and veggies. Scientists have been studying Carotenoids and Flavonoids, two classes of Phytochemicals found in many orange and yellow vegetables and fruits, that can help keep your vision, heart and immune system healthy, as well as potentially lower the risk of some forms of cancer.

Apricot

These sweet and juicy orange fruits can help fight maladies, including heart disease. Ounce for ounce, dried apricots, compared to the fresh, have twelve times the Iron, seven times the fiber, and five times the Vitamin A.

Trivia

Apricots are known as, "Moons of the Faithful" in China where they originated. Their cultivation spread westward from China to Persia and the Mediterranean, eventually coming to the New World with Spanish settlers.

It is interesting to note that both the fresh and dried apricot are a main food staple of a tiny Hunza principality in the Himalayas, who are known for their extreme longevity, excellent health, and an almost exclusive vegetarian diet.

These fragile peach-like fruits, with their perfumed aroma and ultra-sweet flavor, contain impressive amounts of beta-carotene. They are also a fair source of potassium, and supply a good amount of fiber.

Carrot

Preparation Tips

Most carrots are sold without the tops because they have been shown to draw moisture from the roots. Yet many people buy carrots with tops to ensure the product is fresh. However, in order to store carrots longer, remove the tops.

Trivia

Carrots belong to the parsley family. They originated in Afghanistan, cultivated originally for medicinal purposes utilizing the seeds which are produced in the second year of this biennial plant. (Marketable roots grow in a single season.)

The use of carrots spread westward, introduced into England from Holland in the 15th Century. At that point, carrots were coveted for their tops, and no well-dressed English gentlewoman would be seen without lacy carrot leaves decorating her hair.

Recipes

Mango

Mangoes, another favorite orange fruit, rank third behind Papaya for nutrient density, and are a source of Vitamin C. They contain 40% recommended daily intake of Vitamin A, as well as Potassium, Vitamin E and Pectin.

Recipes

Nectarine

These sweet and juicy orange fruits can help fight maladies, including heart disease. Nectarines are a source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Sweeter than its cousin, the peach, and darker-fleshed (hence richer in beta-carotene), nectarines are a sweet, juicy summer treat that is virtually fat free and a good supply of vitamin C and fiber. It is suspected that the name nectarine comes from the word nektar meaning "drink of the gods."

Refreshing citrus fruits are coming into season! While new varieties will continue to arrive all winter long, this is a great time of year to begin enjoying classic navel oranges along with sweet snack size mandarins and tangerines.

In Season: Autumn

Recipes

Papaya

Papayas rank second in the list of most nutrient-dense fruits, with 150% recommended daily intake of Vitamin C and 75% of Vitamin A. A serving of papaya also contains 800 mg of Potassium, as well as Papain.

Recipes

Peach

These sweet and juicy orange fruits can help fight maladies, including heart disease. Peaches offer a good amount of Vitamin C.

The third most popular fruit grown in the Unites States (right behind apples and oranges), the peach is really an All-American summertime favorite. The best peaches show a warm background color of yellow or cream, and have a rich, ripe aroma.

Pineapple

Despite its tough bristly appearance, fresh pineapple is very easy to prepare, (and well worth the work!). It is a similar process to cutting a melon into chunks or slices. Simply cut the lengthwise into quarters, then cut the quarters into slices. To prepare for fruit salad, cut skin off of the slices, then cut the fruit into smaller chunks.

In Season: Spring — Summer

Recipes

Sweet Corn

This favorite yellow vegetable is high in Vitamin A, and is also a good source of vitamins B and C and Potassium. To get the most nutritional benefits from your corn, cook it to increase the Ferulic Acid and overall antioxidant activity.

Sweet Potato

Super nutritious with vitamins A and C, Folate, Iron, Copper, Calcium and fiber, sweet potatoes are loved for their flavor and texture. They're an excellent source of Vitamin A, and 2/3 cup provides 100% of Vitamin E.

Sweet potatoes are one of nature's truly perfect foods! They're low in calories, high in fiber, great for people who are carbohydrate sensitive, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Plus, the rich, flavorful flesh of the sweet potato is so versatile, and delicious.